What happened
On January 11, 2011, at approximately 11:50 a.m., a Cessna A188B, registration HI 721, crashed while performing agricultural spraying operations in Guayubín, Montecristi. The aircraft, operated by Actividades Agrícolas de Montecrist to apply fungicides to banana plantations, was on its seventh flight of the day and its third pass of the current mission when it suddenly descended into the terrain.
The aircraft impacted the ground in an east-west direction and slid approximately 10 to 12 meters on its left side. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe, including the separation of the engine and the right wing, damage to the landing gear, and structural deformation of the fuselage and tail surfaces. The pilot, the sole occupant, was able to exit the aircraft on his own and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the plane had undergone a recent 100-hour inspection and was in compliance with all airworthiness directives. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting he held a valid commercial pilot license and a first-class medical certificate, though he had relatively limited experience specifically with this aircraft type and agricultural spraying operations.
Meteorological data was analyzed, revealing that at the time of the accident, the area was experiencing high temperatures between 30-35 degrees Celsius and significant wind activity, with gusts estimated between 30 and 35 knots. The investigation noted that the aircraft was operating at a low altitude, which is standard for crop dusting, but also carrying the weight of both fuel and chemical payloads.
Findings
- Severe wind gusts of 30 to 35 knots caused a sudden loss of lift and a sharp descent during the spraying approach.
- The low altitude of the flight and the heavy weight of the fuel and agricultural inputs contributed to the inability to recover from the sudden descent.
- The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft model and agricultural flight techniques acted as a contributing factor.